Customs, Police Forge Strategic Alliance to Combat Smuggling at Idiroko Border

Customs, Police Forge Strategic Alliance to Combat Smuggling at Idiroko Border

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun I Area Command, has strengthened its collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force to intensify efforts against smuggling and other trans-border crimes along the Idiroko border corridor in Ogun State.

The renewed security partnership was highlighted during a high-level courtesy visit by the Area Commander of the Police in Idiroko and the Border Patrol Commander to the Ogun I Area Command of the NCS.

According to a statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Deputy Superintendent of Customs Chado Zakari, the meeting focused on strengthening intelligence sharing and adopting a coordinated policing strategy to dismantle smuggling networks and other criminal activities operating along the border.

The Acting Customs Area Controller, Deputy Comptroller Oladapo Afeni, stated that although the Idiroko axis is currently experiencing relative calm, sustaining the stability requires continuous intelligence collaboration and joint operations among security agencies.

Afeni stressed that safeguarding the nation’s borders and protecting the economy is a shared responsibility, urging officers of the NCS and the Police to see themselves as partners working toward a common goal.

He noted that the renewed cooperation aligns with the strategic agenda of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, which emphasizes collaboration, consolidation, and innovation in tackling economic crimes and strengthening border management.

Also speaking during the visit, the Police Area Commander in Idiroko, ACP Adejumo Segun, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to deepening its relationship with the Customs Service.

He explained that the collaboration would focus on protecting residents of border communities, providing tactical support to the NCS in curbing illicit trade, and sharing critical intelligence to counter criminal networks operating along the Idiroko–Igolo border corridor.

Afeni reiterated that both agencies would continue to strengthen synergy and operational coordination in the interest of national security and economic stability.

The visit concluded with both security agencies reaffirming their commitment to sustained cooperation aimed at ensuring a safer environment for residents of border communities in Ogun State and safeguarding Nigeria’s economic interests.